SAY WHAT: 'IT'S THE BIGGEST GAME OF THE YEAR'

ON THE BIG GAME TONIGHT:

ON PLAYING A BIG ROLE ON THE BACKEND.

"It's nice. It's nice to feel counted on and relied on in certain situations. To be honest, it's felt really good to have a consistent role and stay in the lineup. It's been a while since I've had that."
When you're watching, you always feel like you want to be part of it and feel like you can contribute and help the team win. This time of year is huge and that's the type of hockey that you want to be playing. So, to be able to get in at this time of year is awesome and I'm having a lot of fun with it."

ON GROWTH IN HIS GAME:

"I think that was more a couple years ago when I had the blood clot, I did a lot of work with (Player Development Coach) Darren Rommerdahl and (Power Skating Instructor) Danielle (Fujita) and skills, puck work, and a lot on my skating. I felt that I improved on my skating, edge work, things like that. I think that's where the most difference, I guess, just more comfortable on my feet."

ON PAIR WITH JUUSO VALIMAKI:

"He's got good hockey sense, good puck skills and things like that. I'm just trying to be that guy he rely on just to be that guy where I need to be, and help him in that regard and back him on any issues we may have on the ice. That's what I try to do. I'm not trying to be some big influence. I had those guys when I came in - I had Keith Yandle and he's as good a puck player, powerplay guy as there is, so I just try to be in the right spots for (Valimaki)."